When a gambling lawyer can help in St. Moritz
Gambling law in St. Moritz is shaped by federal rules and the Canton of Graubünden’s implementation. It can affect casino operations, online gambling, betting, lotteries, poker events, and prize promotions.
The practical issue is often how an activity is classified. A hotel promotion, charity draw, or event tournament may need authorization or must meet specific conditions, depending on whether participants pay, chance determines the result, and prizes are offered.
Federal authorities regulate casino gambling and large-scale games, while cantonal rules apply to certain smaller games. Separate municipal permissions may also be needed for an event venue or use of public space, but these do not replace gambling authorization.
When legal advice may be useful
A hotel or event organizer plans a prize draw. A lawyer can assess whether an entry fee, purchase requirement, chance-based winner selection, or prize makes it a regulated money game.
A charity or sports club wants to run a raffle or tournament. The organizer may need cantonal approval or must comply with limits and participant-protection rules.
A business plans to offer online betting or casino games to customers in Switzerland. A lawyer can assess whether the operator and offering are permitted under federal law.
A casino or supplier is considering a St. Moritz operation or commercial partnership. Counsel can check concession requirements, supplier rules, contracts, and compliance responsibilities.
A player disputes a gambling exclusion, account restriction, or unpaid winnings. A lawyer can review the operator’s terms, the applicable complaint route, and possible remedies.
An organizer receives a notice from a regulator or authority. Prompt advice can help identify deadlines, preserve records, and prepare a response.
Key gambling rules that apply in St. Moritz
The Federal Act on Money Games (Money Gaming Act, BGS; SR 935.51) has been in force since 1 January 2019. It governs money games, casino concessions, lotteries, betting, player protection, and measures against unauthorized gambling.
The Money Gaming Ordinance (VGS; SR 935.511), also in force since 1 January 2019, sets out implementing rules. Among other matters, it addresses casino operations, online casino offerings, and requirements for money games.
Intercantonal rules and Graubünden’s implementing arrangements also matter, particularly for lotteries, betting, and smaller games. The competent authority and approval route depend on the game’s type, scale, and intended audience.
Frequently asked questions
Does every prize draw in St. Moritz need a permit?
No. The answer depends on the draw’s structure, including whether participants pay, chance determines the winner, and a prize is offered. Have the rules reviewed before advertising or collecting entries.
Can a business in St. Moritz offer online casino games?
Online casino games are not open to any business that wishes to provide them. Swiss law generally ties online casino offerings to an eligible Swiss casino concession and the required authorization.
Can a foreign betting or gambling website accept customers in Switzerland?
Foreign operators cannot assume that a service available abroad may lawfully target Swiss customers. The Money Gaming Act restricts unauthorized offerings, and access to some prohibited foreign gambling sites may be blocked.
Do charity raffles and small poker tournaments follow the same rules as casinos?
No. The law distinguishes casinos and large-scale games from certain smaller games, which may be subject to cantonal rules and conditions. The format, stakes, prizes, and location can affect the applicable requirements.
Who can apply for gambling authorization?
Eligibility depends on the activity and authorization sought. Casino concessions have strict requirements, while approvals for other games follow different federal, intercantonal, or cantonal rules.
How much does a gambling lawyer in Graubünden cost?
Fees vary by lawyer, urgency, and complexity. Ask for a written estimate that separates initial advice, authorization work, contract review, and any regulatory or court proceedings.
How long does an authorization take?
There is no single timeline for every game or permit. Timing depends on the authority, completeness of the application, and whether the activity requires a federal, intercantonal, or cantonal review.
Can a municipal event permit replace gambling approval?
No. Permission to use a venue or public space is separate from any gambling authorization. Organizers should check both requirements before announcing the event.
What can a player do about a gambling exclusion?
Ask the operator for the decision and the procedure for requesting a review. A lawyer can assess whether the exclusion was handled under the applicable rules and identify any available complaint route.
Can a lawyer help recover unpaid winnings?
Yes. A lawyer can examine the game’s legality, the operator’s terms, account records, and correspondence. The appropriate next step may depend on whether the operator is Swiss-authorized and which authority supervises it.
What should I bring to an initial consultation?
Bring the game rules, advertisements, contracts, permits, account statements, and any letters from an authority or operator. A clear timeline of events helps the lawyer identify deadlines and missing information.
Official resources
Federal Gaming Board (ESBK). Supervises Swiss casinos and casino games, including authorized online casino offerings, and acts against illegal gambling in its area of responsibility.
Gespa, the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority. Supervises large-scale lotteries and sports betting and provides information on the applicable gambling framework.
Canton of Graubünden. Provides cantonal information and handles matters assigned to the canton, including applicable requirements for certain smaller games and local implementation.
Steps to find and hire a gambling lawyer
Define the issue. Write down whether it concerns a business, event, online service, player dispute, or regulator inquiry. Note the venue, audience, payment method, chance element, and prizes.
Collect the documents. Gather rules, contracts, promotional material, permits, correspondence, and relevant dates before contacting lawyers.
Shortlist Swiss lawyers with gambling-regulatory experience. Check their professional registration and ask about work involving federal and Graubünden requirements.
Arrange an initial consultation. A short introductory call may be available within days, depending on the lawyer. Ask who will handle the matter and whether they have dealt with a similar game or dispute.
Request a written scope and fee estimate. Confirm whether the estimate covers advice, application drafting, authority correspondence, translations, and any appeal or court work.
Agree on immediate deadlines and responsibilities. Before signing, clarify who contacts the authority, what information is needed, and when the next update is expected.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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